Miller named SEC Defensive Player of the Week

BY ANDRES FOCIL

FAYETTEVILLE — University of Arkansas senior Ashley Miller earned Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors the league office announced Monday.

Miller set the SEC career digs record in a five-game win at Georgia Sunday.The Vacaville, Calif., native entered the season with 1556 career digs and has added 502 digs this year bringing her career total to 2058. The previous mark of 2037 was held by Kentucky’s Jenni Casper (2003-06).

“I’m proud of Ashley for getting the SEC record,” said Arkansas head coach Chris Poole."Ashley has worked hard for four seasons and this is a great accomplishment for her and for the program.I’m also pleased that the conference recognized Ashley for this accomplishment.There are a lot of great players in the SEC and to stand out like this is a good achievement."

It is the second time in Miller’s career she has earned an SEC weekly honor (2006).In addition, Miller is the only Arkansas libero to earn the league’s defensive player of the week honor.Four middle blockers have earned five honors for the Lady’Backs in previous seasons.

Miller holds the Arkansas record for digs with 2058 and is the only player in school history with more than 2000.In fact, she holds all of Arkansas’ dig records.Miller has the match record with 36 against Ole Miss (10-1-06), single season with 548 (2005), career with 2058 and climbing, career digs per game with 4.36 and was the digs per game leader in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007.

Miller and the Lady Razorbacks return to the court this weekend for the final three matches of the 2007 season.Arkansas hosts Tennessee Friday, Nov. 16, at 7:00 p.m.; Kentucky Sunday, Nov. 18, at 1:00 p.m.; and conclude the season with Connecticut Saturday, Nov. 24, at 1:30 p.m.

For more information about Miller and the Arkansas volleyball team, please log on to LADYBACKS.COM.